Community Relations and Equity Director (DOH5467)



Community Relations and Equity Director (DOH5467)

Salary

$95,484.00 - $122,220.00 Annually

Location

Thurston County – Tumwater, WA

Job Type

Full Time - Permanent

Job Number

DOH5467

Department

Dept. of Health

Division

Center for Public Affairs (C4PA)

Opening Date

11/01/2021

Closing Date

11/30/2021 11:00 PM Pacific

Description


Department of Health Logo and employees having fun at work.
This recruitment has been reposted to invite additional applicant to apply.  Applicant that applied prior to 7/1/2021, NEED NOT REAPPLY.  Application review is ongoing.
  
Community Relations and Equity Director (WMS Band 3)
Center for Public Affairs
Tumwater, WA
DOH5357 
 
Our ideal candidate is a team player, has a driving passion for equity and social justice, a commitment to collaboration across the agency with external partners, and holds themselves accountable to the community. They are a holistic thinker and can see both the big picture and the detail level, moving comfortably between larger policy and systems issues to the details that drive inequities at a micro-level. 
 
Our ideal candidate sees the needs of others, values difference in perspective, and  
 adapts their approach and expectations accordingly. They are responsive to the experiences of others and are committed to ongoing learning/unlearning and self-growth.
 
Our ideal candidate strives for humility and partnership, even when confronted with others that are not open or collaborative. They are nimble and adaptive when faced with resistance, demonstrate resilience, and can have courageous conversations when needed.
 
 
The Community Relations & Equity Director reports to the Director of the Center for Public Affairs (C4PA) and is a key agency leader. This position provides agency wide leadership in establishing and strengthening agency level strategic partnerships with key community leaders, academic institutions and community-based organizations and community leaders. This position also provides agency wide leadership, direction and guidance to implement the agency’s equity and social justice strategy and establishes effective two-way relationships with key community partners, stakeholders, and organizations that represent or serve populations experiencing systemic inequities, including racism and other forms of oppression.

This position leads a diverse team of equity and social justice and community engagement staff who have oversight over critical agency policies, structures and systems, including the cross-agency Equity and Social Justice Collaborative. This position also serves as a consultant to the Secretary of Health, Executive Team and agency leadership on equity and for policy and communication engagement with key non-governmental community partners, with an emphasis on centering community voice and power. Finally, the Director represents the agency on the Governor’s Interagency Council on Health Disparities and agency liaison to the newly formed State Office of Equity.
 
When our Community Relations and Equity Director approaches any area of work, they think:
  • Who is most impacted by this?
  • How have we engaged them in our work and who is engaging with them?
  • How can we do a better job engaging them in our process?
  • What are the barriers they face and what can we do to address those barriers?
  • What does success look like to them?
  • What are the systems we need to put in place to ensure we always center on people who are most impacted? 
 
When we talk with our Community Relations and Equity Director about their values, they’ll see themselves in words like Human-Centered, Partnership, Equity, and Excellence. They’ll also see in these words a challenge to improve—personally and organizationally—in pursuit of a better impact on people and better business outcomes.
 
When we ask others about them, they’ll describe a person of remarkable capability, diligence, and focus. They’ll tell us about someone who:
 
  • Sees and understands the objectives and challenges of people they work with as well as their impact on those people.
  • Adjusts what they’re doing based on what they learn.
  • Holds themselves accountable for helping those around them succeed, as well as achieving their own business results.
 
It takes personal courage, tenacity, and humility to achieve big things in this way. Our ideal candidate probably wonders whether they’re up to this challenge. But they want to take it on because they’re hungry for personal growth and hungry to help build this kind of business, team, and workplace culture at the Department of Health.
 
Currently, this position may be located anywhere within the State of Washington due to the COVID-19 pandemic and telework (mobile-work) during this time expected. When approved to return to the office, the incumbent will work with their supervisor to identify an appropriate work arrangement to perform their work activities by reporting to the Tumwater, Washington duty station and possible telework. Additionally, it is expected that the Community Relations and Equity Director will travel throughout the state to attend community or partner meetings once it is safe to do so.
  

Important Note: As stated in Governor’s Proclamation 21-14, all employees engaging in work for the Department of Health are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 before their hire date. Proof of vaccination will be verified by the Office of Human Resources after an employment offer has been extended. Please reach out to the Office of Human Resources at HR@doh.wa.gov if you need information on a medical or religious accommodation.


About the Department of Health
 The vision of the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) is equity and optional health for all. Our mission is to work with others to protect and improve the health of all people in Washington state.
 
Our Values
Good organizations know what they do and how they do it. Great organizations also understand why they do it. Our values are:
  • Human-centered: We see others as people who matter like we do and take into account their needs, challenges, contributions, and objectives.
  • Equity: We are committed to fairness and justice to ensure access to services, programs, opportunities, and information for all.
  • Collaboration: We seek partnership and collaboration to maximize our collective impact. We cannot achieve our vision alone.
  • Seven Generations: Inspired by Native American culture, we seek wisdom from those who came before us to ensure our current work protects those who will come after us.
  • Excellence: We strive to demonstrate best practices, high performance, and compelling value in our work every day. 


 

Secretary Wiesman with an infant at work and the modern office space.

Preference may be given to candidates who have the following DESIRED education and/or experience.  
Experience may be gained through formal professional employment, volunteer experience, lived experience, or a combination.  Applicants from historically marginalized groups and those who have a language proficiency other than English are encouraged to apply.
 
  • OPTION 1:   A Bachelor’s degree or higher involving major study in public health, community health, communication, social work, business administration, public administration, or related field; AND four (4) or more years of experience demonstrating knowledge and skill in issues related to directing/leading strategic and culturally responsive community partnership and engagement, equity and social justice, health equity, diversity, inclusion and cultural humility at an organizational level. 
 
OR
  • Option 2: Four (4) or more years of experience in community engagement or organizing or advancing equity and social justice initiatives/programs; AND four (4) or more years of experience demonstrating knowledge and skill in issues related to directing/leading strategic and culturally responsive community partnership and engagement, equity and social justice, health equity, diversity, inclusion and cultural humility at an organizational level.
 
AND, demonstrated experience in the following: 
 
  • Strong leadership and management skills
  • Strong collaboration and facilitation skills
  • Research, analyze, and develop effective engagement strategies for a variety of audiences. 
  • Understand and resolve complex partnership and relationship issues.
  • Analyze facts and law to formulate decisions.
  • Write clearly.
  • Effectively communicate public health issues, both orally and in writing, to key community leaders and stakeholders. 
  • Work collaboratively with agency staff and partners.
  • Strong skills in addressing health inequities with a lens on centering community voice and power.
  • Creative problem-solving skills.  
  • Effectively manage time and prioritize assignments.
  • Affectively advance equity and social justice initiatives within a large organization. 
 
As well as demonstrated experience in the following leadership competencies:
 
  • Start with mindset – Turn your mindset outward by seeing the humanity in others.
  • Be the change – Change your mindset regardless of whether others change theirs.
  • Be fully capable – Own your work, plans, actions, and impact. Position others to own theirs.
  • Build relationships – Eliminate the unnecessary distinctions that create distance between yourself and others.
  • Rethink systems and processes to turn them outward – Create an environment that energizes people rather than manages objects.
  • Measure results – Move yourself and your teams to achieve collective goals.
 
Compensation
This position reports to the Director of the Center for Public Affairs (C4PA).  Learn more about the Washington Management Service.    
 
The annual compensation is between $95,484 and $122,220, depending upon qualifications.  
 
Washington State offers a full benefits package including vacation and sick leave, family medical and dental coverage, life insurance, retirement, and a deferred compensation program.
 
The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) is an equal opportunity employer.  DOH strives to create a working environment that is inclusive and respectful.  It is our policy to prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, political affiliation, genetics, or disability in the recruitment, selection, and hiring of our workforce.
 
If you have questions, need alternative formats or other assistance please contact Linda.Riggle@doh.wa.gov, (360) 236-4226, or TDD Relay at 1-800-833-6384 or 711 (Washington Relay). Technical support is provided by NEOGOV, 855-524-5627 (can’t log in, password or email issues, error messages).
 
Application Process
Intrigued? We’d love to hear from you.  Click "Apply" to submit your detailed application profile along with the following:
 
  1. A detailed Letter of Interest that addresses your qualifications and demonstrated experience as they relate to the position.
  2. A current Resume detailing your professional background.
  3. Five (5) or more professional references, to be included in your profile.
 
Do not attach transcripts or other documents that are not requested in the Application Process. These documents will not be forwarded to the hiring manager.
 
Live and Work in a Great State
Washington is America's Top State according to U.S. News (2019) and provides one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.
 
Washington offers a total work/life package of pay, benefits, flexibility, and workplace opportunities to help you get the most out of your career and out of life. Washington State is a great place to work, play, and be a part of a community. Washington offers a quality of life that is unsurpassed. From the high-energy urban center of Seattle, one of the nation’s top-ranked cities, to the more relaxed pace of our rural communities, Washington’s distinctive Northwest lifestyle blends a progressive, creative culture with a casual nature.   

Supplemental Information

Only applicants who follow the directions and complete the Application Process in-full will have their responses reviewed for consideration.

More than Just a Paycheck!
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Read about our benefits:
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.

Note:  If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.

Insurance Benefits
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.

Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.

To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the
Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.


Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.

Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.

The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.

Retirement and Deferred Compensation
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS).  New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs.  For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.

Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP).  This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Social Security
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Holidays
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.

Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.

Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.

Sick Leave
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.

Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

Vacation (Annual Leave)
Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.

Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.

Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.


As provided in WAC 357-58-175, an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165. 

Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.

Military Leave
Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement Leave
Most employees whose family member or household member dies, are entitled to three (3) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Additional Leave
Leave Sharing
Parental Leave
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 12-31-2022

01
Where did you first hear about this employment opportunity?
  • a. DOH Employment Site/Job Alerts
  • b. DOH Employee
  • c. Friend or Acquaintance
  • d. Indeed
  • e. LinkedIn
  • f. Careers.wa.gov
  • g. Job Fair – if selected, answer Question 2
  • h. Other – if selected, answer Question 2
02
If you selected "g" or "h" to Question 1: Where you first heard about this employment opportunity?
03
Are you legally authorized to work in the United States?
  • Yes
  • No
04
Will you now or in the future require sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g. H-1B visa status)?
  • Yes
  • No
05
All responses and statements on this application and any other materials I have submitted to apply for this position are true and complete to the best of my knowledge; and I understand that the state may verify this information and any untruthful or misleading responses are cause for rejection of this application or dismissal of employment.
  • Yes
  • No

Required Question

Agency
State of Washington
Address
View Job Posting for Agency Information

View Job Posting for Location, Washington, 98504
Phone
View Posting for Agency Contact